Scripture for Today: Philippians 1:6 “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ.”

I am the proud winner of a yo-yo competition!  OK, so it was in the 4th grade, but winning anything is rare so I still remember it!  At the time I could do a number of tricks, including: Loop the Loop, Rock the Baby, Flying Saucer, and Walk the Dog.  I am sure I drove my parents nutty making them watch me!  Whatever skill I had is long gone.  When my children were young I tried their yo-yo’s but to no avail.  I guess with yo-yo’s it is, “use it or lose it!”

Our verse for today speaks of a work that Christ is completing in me.  It is a life-long process of becoming like Him.  Like the yo-yo, there are ups and downs to this work.  When I think I am doing well and feeling strong, I am up.  When I am blowing it or feeling weak, I am down.  It is easy to stay down when I think of all the work in me still to be done.  I often feel like progress resembles three steps forward and then two steps back!

It is easy to become discouraged with that sin nature hanging on.  My goals for myself are very high, but the Lord’s are even higher.  His eventual goal for all believers is perfection (Matt. 5:48).  How can I feel “up” about my progress when there is so far to go?!  Our verse is reassuring as it reminds me that one day, I will be perfect and complete in Him.  He has promised it and He is faithful!

Thank you, Lord, that when You come, I will finally be like You!

(Look familiar?  This is a summer re-post due to ministry schedule.)

Scripture for Today: Deuteronomy 10:12 “Now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require from you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul.”

I am a fan of anything that keeps one organized!  Separating items keeps things neat and tidy.  I remember the cubby holes at the entrance of our children’s school rooms in France.  Everything had its place; hats, scarves, mittens, and shoes.  My daughter and her husband use a chic room divider that doubles as storage in much the same way.  Maybe it is a sub-conscious throwback to childhood days!

Putting things in separate compartments can carry over to how we view life.  There is the tendency to divide daily life into segments.  There is the work world, the social scene and the church life, to name a few.  We tend to be different people in different scenarios.  Sometimes it is even intentional.  One’s persona changes with one’s role.

The problem comes when we try to separate out the spiritual side of life.  It does not work.  It has been said that, “all ground is holy ground and every bush a burning bush.”  Our verse for today calls for all of our heart and all of our soul.  Loving Him and walking with Him touches every area of our lives.  I cannot put God in a small Sunday-only compartment if I am a true Christ follower.  He has the right to direct all parts of my life.  I do not even have the right to a “secret compartment!”  I have given Him my whole self.

My prayer today echos the lyrics of an old hymn: “Take myself and I will be; Ever, only, all for Thee.”

(Look familiar?  This is a summer re-post due to ministry schedule.)